2024 :: week 8

February 18

Soni was in town for the long weekend and we got together for dinner Sunday evening. Soni's dad has ALS and my mom is healing from a stoke and dealing with the after effects of that, so we have a lot to commiserate about. 

February 19

Monday the kids had no school, but Anthony had to work. In the afternoon we drove out to Kaw Point so Will could film a video for his YouTube channel, Xplore KC. It was good to get outside. The kids had fun throwing rocks and sticks into the river. Will got some good footage for his video. One thing I did not expect as how bad the river would smell. When we went down last year I didn't notice any distinct smell, but this time as soon as we got out of the car we all immediately wondered what was causing the bad smell. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's for a late lunch. 

February 20

Basketball is the sport du jour of the John boys. After school until it gets dark (and sometimes even after it is dark) you can find one, two or all three John boys working on their game. 

February 21

Miles and Elliott helped me pick up a few "essentials" at Costco. The kids have been enjoying these mini muffins lately, though they are pricy enough they are only allowed one bag each per day. 

February 22

Post-mutual knockout has become the expectation for the John kids. Recently Lauren has started getting in on the action too. She doesn't have as much basketball experience as her brothers, but she's got a great touch when it comes to soccer throw-ins, so she did surprisingly well.

February 23

Friday evening our older kids had plans. Will went to Target and Chick fil A with school friends. Lauren went to Ethnie's birthday party. Elliott went to the SMS basketball games with Townes and his family. The Wilsons invited us to go to their school carnival with them. Emily knows that Miles is a HUGE mascot fan, and their PTA arranged to have KC Wolf and Sluggger take photos with kids for an hour. Miles was so excited! He brought his Sluggger stuffie and was beaming with excitement while we drove to Brookridge. As soon as the mascots entered the gym it was a different story. He started crying and was clinging to me and buried his head in my shoulder. He finally agreed to take a picture if Anthony held him and we were both with him. Eventually he calmed down enough to let Sluggger hug him and get his autograph. It was a super fun night! Emily wins aunt of the year award for making the mascot magic happen for Miles. 

February 24

Elliott had another basketball game Saturday. He played well, despite being given some tough defensive assignments. The kid Elliott was guarding had several inches and pounds on him, but Elliott didn't back down. He made him work, then swatted the ball away and ran it back down the court to score a layup.